Volunteers, Legion staff and Service personnel from RAF Boulmer and 101 Regiment Royal Artillery plant wooden crosses in Saltwell Park to remember those killed in conflict

Crosses will be planted on Friday 28 October at 10am by members of the Armed Forces , local cadet forces, The Royal British Legion and members of the public.

Among the volunteers will be Mike Wilson, whose identical twin brother, LCpl David Wilson, from Spennymoor, County Durham, died while serving with 9 Regiment Army Air Corp in Iraq during 2008.

The following day a ceremony to dedicate the Field of Remembrance will take place at 10:45am, a two-minute silence will then be observed at 11:00am,

The Field of Remembrance was brought to Gateshead in 2012 as part of a campaign by Anne Turner to pay tribute to fallen service men and women from the north. Anne’s son Rifleman Mark Turner from 3rd Battalion The Rifles was 21 years-old when he was killed on patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan in 2010.

Rifleman Mark Turner

Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Alison Thompson, says: “Our region’s strong relationship with the armed services stretches back generations. It is a huge privilege for Gateshead to host the Field of Remembrance and honour the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

“This is always a hugely emotional occasion. Being a part of this tribute means so much to so many people, particularly those who have lost loved ones.

“I’d like to extend our welcome to everyone to join us and honour some of the bravest men and women who have fought and died for their country.”

Marcus Hawthorn, Area Manager for The Royal British Legion in the North East, said: “We are delighted to work with Gateshead Council to host the Field of Remembrance for a fifth year. The service is an opportunity for the public to pay their respects and also reflect on the sacrifices made by so many men and women who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. In this poignant year which marks the centenary of the First World War, we hope more people across the North East will visit our Field and pay tribute to those we must never forget.”

The First Field of Remembrance opened in 1928 in the grounds of Westminster Abbey, Elsewhere, Royal Wootton Bassett, Westminster, Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh will host their own Field’s of Remembrance.

Those who want to dedicate their own remembrance cross can pick up a wooden cross from Main Reception at Gateshead Civic Centre from 30 October in exchange for a donation. Alternatively, go online to www.britishlegion.org.uk/dedicate to have a personal message written onto a cross and sent for planting at Saltwell Park.